New Paltz police follow up tips in robbery of Chase Bank branch

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- New Paltz police and detectives are following up on tips from the public about the wig-and-sunglasses-wearing man in his mid-40s who robbed the Chase Bank branch office on Tuesday, according to Police Chief Joseph Snyder.

"We're acting on several tips from people who think they might have recognized the robber," Snyder said Wednesday afternoon.

"We're encouraging the public to call us, and let us eliminate suspects. That's our responsibility," he said.

"No one was hurt and that's the important thing," Snyder said.

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Snyder said police are seeking a suspect who was described as a white male, about 5-feet-8, wearing a maroon-colored shirt, blue jeans, a cap and sunglasses. Police said they believe the man was wearing a reddish-colored wig and may actually be bald or partially bald.

Witnesses saw him remove headgear as he exited the bank," Snyder said.

He said the suspect was wearing a shoulder-length curly wig at the time of the robbery.

"Somebody always sees something," Snyder said. "It's a matter of time. We know someone will look at the photo, imagine the suspect without wig and sunglasses, recognize him and call us."

Synder declined to say how much money the robber left the Plattekill Avenue branch with on Tuesday morning, but noted it won't be worth the time the suspect will end up spending in prison.

He said even though the robber stated he had a gun and would shoot the teller's co-workers if he wasn't given money, no weapon was displayed during the incident.

Snyder said his officers received a call Tuesday at 11:23 a.m. reporting the robbery of the bank at the corner of Main Street and Plattekill Avenue.

The suspect fled out a side door onto Main Street, police said.

The incident "seemed to be the typical type of robbery," Snyder said on Tuesday. He said the teller had to assume the suspect had a weapon, even though he did not show one.

Snyder said there were six employees in the bank at the time, along with some customers.

Snyder said police are encouraging the public to call with any information to call New Paltz police at (845) 255-1323.